KEIGHLEY Cougars' head coach Craig Lingard has praised his talented young guns, after they starred in the club record 112-6 victory at West Wales Raiders.

Flying winger Alfie Seeley scored a hat-trick of tries, while fellow hot prospects Billy Gaylor and Jose Kenga also found themselves on the scoresheet.

The trio were nowhere near the first team picture until Cougars' mid-season crisis, and Lingard appreciates them stepping up.

He said: "Alfie put his hand up this summer. He's got skills and most importantly, he wants to play for Keighley Cougars.

"With a full pre-season behind him to make size and weight gains, he could prove important for us next year.

"Jose had been doing okay for the reserves and he's been really good in the middle since he joined the first team."

Referring to Gaylor, Lingard added: "He was third or fourth choice hooker earlier in the year so he went back to amateur rugby.

"He came straight on the phone to offer his services though when he knew we were struggling. He's had to play out of position at half back too."

Lingard was relieved with the weekend result and he said: "People will say it's only West Wales but you can only beat what's in front of you.

"After some recent performances, the players' commitment and desire has been called into question and they proved themselves on Saturday."

The Raiders were only able to field 12 players but Lingard defended them, saying: "Their players gave 100 per cent against us. They were struggling for numbers but the game being played on a Saturday didn't help as it is a rugby union heartland.

"Whether bringing in a full-time coach from Australia will help them next year I don't know. I hope it works for them, although you can only persevere with a project for so long."

Cougars finish their season at home to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday, and Lingard said: "I know their head coach Anthony Murray well so I know how he likes to play.

"They're a good footballing side but we got complacent when we beat them (46-28) in May as we blew a big lead. They beat us in the Challenge Cup this year too so we're under no illusions about how difficult the game will be."

Lingard's side should have a clean bill of health for that clash, although Scott Law has a niggle which leaves him as a slight doubt.